Error P0746 on Nissan Murano: causes, diagnosis and repair

Error code P0746 on Nissan Murano - one of those problems that can unsettle even experienced car owners. It indicates a malfunction in the control system automatic transmission torque converter, but often its true reasons lie deeper than it seems at first glance. If the dashboard of your crossover lights up CHECK ENGINE, and the scanner produces exactly this code, do not rush to panic - in 80% of cases the problem is solved without expensive repairs.

In this article we will look at unique features of P0746 specifically on Murano (including Z50, Z51 and Z52 models), since the transmission algorithms here are different from other Nissan cars. You will learn how to distinguish a real torque converter breakdown from a false sensor response, which parts often fail on a mileage of 100,000+ km, and why ignoring this error can lead to overhaul of automatic transmission already after 500-1000 km.

What does error P0746 mean on Nissan Murano

Code P0746 stands for "Pressure Control Solenoid 'A' Performance/Stuck Off" - problem with work pressure control solenoid in the automatic transmission valve body. B Murano with transmissions RE0F10A (until 2014) and RE0F10D (after 2014) this solenoid is responsible for smooth gear shifting and correct locking of the torque converter. When the ECU detects a discrepancy between the commanded and actual pressure, an error occurs.

Feature Murano: On these crossovers P0746 is often accompanied jerking when accelerating at speeds of 40-60 km/h or gear delay after a complete stop. Unlike X-Trail or Qashqai, where the same error can only appear when cold, it often occurs on Murano when the automatic transmission oil is warm (ATF temperature above 80°C).

• 🔧 Primary symptoms: Jerks when shifting 1→2 or 3→4 gears, increased engine speed without accelerating, fire CHECK ENGINE.
• ⚠️ Critical sign: If appears along with P0746 P0730 (incorrect gear ratio) - this is a signal about mechanical wear torque converter.
• 📊 Statistics: For Murano 2010-2015 the error occurs 3 times more often than on 2016+ models due to design changes in the solenoids.

⚠️ Attention: If after resetting the error it returns within 50-100 km, the problem is definitely not a “glitch” of the ECU. In 90% of cases this indicates physical wear of the solenoid or valve body contamination friction wear products.

The main causes of P0746

On Nissan Murano error P0746 is rarely a “single” error - it usually results from a chain of problems. Here are the key reasons, ranked by frequency of occurrence:

Reason	Frequency (%)	Characteristic signs
Contaminated ATF oil	45%	Dark oil color, burning smell, metal shavings on the magnet tray
Faulty pressure solenoid	30%	Error returns after reset, jerks when switching to hot
Worn torque converter	15%	Vibrations at speeds of 80-100 km/h, increased noise during automatic transmission operation
Wiring/connector problems	8%	The error appears periodically, depending on humidity or vibration
Automatic transmission ECU malfunction	2%	Multiple errors in solenoids, illogical transmission behavior

Particular attention to Murano worth your time ATF oil. The fact is that these crossovers use Matic-S or Matic-J (depending on the year), which are extremely sensitive to replacement intervals. When the mileage exceeds 80,000 km, the oil begins to oxidize, forming varnish deposits on the solenoids. This leads to them sticking and, as a consequence, to P0746.

Another "murano-specific" point - valve body design. In models before 2014, the solenoids had plastic guides, which wore out over time, causing distortions of the plunger. After 2014, Nissan installed metal bushings, but the problem did not completely disappear - now it appears at mileages exceeding 150,000 km.

Diagnosing error P0746: step-by-step instructions

Before rushing to change the solenoids or torque converter, check comprehensive diagnostics. On Murano this is especially important, since the error may be false due to the peculiarities of the ECU firmware (relevant for models 2011-2013).

Check the level and condition of the ATF oil|Read with a scanner freeze frame data (parameters when an error occurs)|Check the solenoid resistance (normal: 10-14 ohms)|Inspect the connectors on the automatic transmission ECU (oxidation, poor contact)|Test the pressure in the hydraulic system (pressure gauge required)-->

Let's start with ATF oils:

1. Stop the engine and let the oil cool to 40-50°C.
2. Remove the automatic transmission dipstick (on Murano it is located to the right of the engine, under the air duct).
3. The oil should be red, no burning smell. If it is dark or contains metal particles - immediate replacement!
4. Check the level: at Murano it should be between the marks HOT (with a warm automatic transmission) and COLD.

Next - electrical part:

• 🔌 Disconnect the connector on the box (located on the back of the automatic transmission, under the thermostat).
• 📊 Test the solenoid circuit with a multimeter: the resistance should be 10-14 Ohm. If it shows OL (break) or 0 (short circuit) - solenoid needs to be replaced.
• 🔍 Inspect the contacts for oxidation. On Murano often suffers contact No. 7 (solenoid mass).

For advanced diagnostics, you will need a scanner with support Nissan Consult (For example, Launch X431 or Autel MaxiCOM). You need:

1. Connect to the automatic transmission ECU (address 0x1C for Murano Z51).
2. View options Solenoid Current And ATF Temperature in real time.
3. Compare actual pressure (Actual Line Pressure) with calculated (Desired Line Pressure).

⚠️ Attention: On Murano 2015+, when diagnosing with a scanner, be sure to reset the automatic transmission adaptations (TCM Relearn), otherwise the parameters will show incorrect values. This procedure takes 10-15 minutes and requires a fully charged battery.

How to fix error code P0746: from simple to complex

The repair strategy depends on the diagnostic results. Let's start with least expensive methods that solve the problem in 60% of cases Nissan Murano:

1. Changing ATF oil and flushing the valve body

If the oil is dirty or the level is incorrect, do the following:

• 🛢️ Complete oil change (volume for Murano: 9-11 liters Nissan Matic-S).
• 🧹 Washing the tray and magnets (use LIQUI MOLY ATF Reiniger).
• 🔄 Replacing the automatic transmission filter (article for Z51: 31726-31X0A).

On Murano with mileage >100,000 km recommended double replacement: drained the old oil → filled in new oil → drove 500 km → drained it again and filled in with fresh oil. This removes up to 95% of deposits from the valve body.

2. Clean or replace the pressure solenoid

If the solenoid is stuck due to dirt:

1. Remove the automatic transmission pan (you will need a 10 mm socket and sealant ThreeBond 1211).
2. Remove the hydraulic unit (to Murano it is secured with 8 star bolts T25).
3. Clean the solenoid Solenoid A (marking on the body) with compressed air and flushing Wynns TransFix.
4. Check the mobility of the plunger - it should move without jamming.

If the solenoid is faulty (open or short), replace it with a new one (part number: 31397-31X00 for Z50/Z51). On Murano 2016+ solenoids of improved design are installed (31397-31X05), which can also be installed on older models.

3. Repair or replacement of the torque converter

If the error is accompanied vibrations at speed and code P0740, the problem is in the torque converter. On Murano this shows up:

• 🔄 Gear start delay D after stopping (more than 1.5 seconds).
• 📈 Increasing engine speed to 3000+ when accelerating without gaining speed.
• 🔊 Metallic clanging sound when switching from P on D.

In this case:

1. Remove the torque converter (removing the automatic transmission will be required).
2. Check the shaft play - if it exceeds 1.5 mm, replacement is needed.
3. Inspect the friction discs for wear. On Murano they often "burned" due to overheating of the oil.

The cost of a new torque converter for Murano: ~40,000-60,000 ₽ (item: 31400-31X00). An alternative is repair by specialists (price: 15,000-25,000 ₽), but only if the wear is not critical.

4. Automatic transmission ECU firmware

On Murano 2010-2014 The P0746 code sometimes occurs due to firmware bugs ECU. Official updates from Nissan:

• TCM Update 1.04 (eliminates false triggering of the solenoid when cold).
• TCM Update 1.07 (corrects the pressure control algorithm for automatic transmission RE0F10D).

Firmware update costs ~5,000-8,000 RUR and takes 30-40 minutes. Done through Nissan Consult-III Plus in official services.

Common repair mistakes and how to avoid them

Many owners Murano make critical mistakes trying to save money on repairs. That's what can't do:

• 🚫 Use universal ATF oil instead of Nissan Matic-S. This leads to swelling of oil seals and accelerated wear of friction clutches.
• 🚫 Wash the hydraulic unit with kerosene or gasoline. These solvents destroy the plastic parts of the solenoids.
• 🚫 Install used solenoids from the showdown. The service life of restored solenoids is 10,000-15,000 km.
• 🚫 Ignore automatic transmission adaptation after replacing solenoids. On Murano this leads to hard shifts transmission

Typical story: owner Murano Z51 2012 with 120,000 km mileage changes ATF oil, but takes Dexron-III instead of Matic-S. After 500 km P0746+ appears P0776 (solenoid C), and after 1000 km - complete loss of 4th gear. Reason: incompatible oil failed valve body, the repair cost 80,000 ₽.

⚠️ Attention: After any intervention in the automatic transmission Murano be sure to follow the procedure TCM Relearn through a scanner. Without this, the ECU will use the old adaptive settings, which will lead to reappearance of P0746.

One more nuance: on Murano with the system All Mode 4x4-i (all-wheel drive) code P0746 may mask a problem with handout. If they burn with her 4WD And SLIP — check the oil level in the transfer case (volume: 0.8 l Nissan Differential Oil Hypoid Super GL-5 80W-90).

Repair cost: comparison of options

Prices for fixing P0746 vary depending on the cause and region. Below are the current prices for Nissan Murano (for 2026):

Type of repair	Cost (₽)	Due date	Warranty
ATF oil change + filter	8 000 - 12 000	2-3 hours	6 months
Cleaning solenoids (with pan removal)	15 000 - 20 000	4-5 hours	1 year
Pressure Solenoid Replacement	25 000 - 35 000	5-6 hours	1-2 years
Torque converter repair	30 000 - 50 000	2-3 days	1 year
Automatic transmission overhaul	120 000 - 180 000	5-7 days	2 years

Saving tip: if diagnostics show wear on the solenoids, but the valve body is generally in good condition, you can order Solenoid repair kit (item: 31327-31X00, price ~12,000 ₽) and replace only faulty elements. This will save up to 40% compared to buying a new valve body.

On Murano 2018+ with automatic transmission RE0F10E P0746 code often resolves firmware update (cost: 5,000-8,000 ₽). Before agreeing to expensive repairs, check that your ECU software is up to date with an authorized dealer.

Prevention: How to avoid recurrence of P0746

To prevent the error from returning, follow these recommendations (specific to Nissan Murano):

• 📅 ATF oil change interval: every 50,000 km (regardless of what is written in the manual). On Murano Oil ages faster due to high loads on the transmission.
• 🔥 Temperature control: Install an additional automatic transmission cooling radiator (part number: 21410-31U00), if you often drive with a trailer or in traffic jams.
• 🛑 Avoid a "ragged" riding style: Sharp starts from a standstill and engine braking accelerate wear of the clutches by 2-3 times.
• 🔧 Diagnostics every 20,000 km: Read errors with the scanner even if CHECK ENGINE does not burn. On Murano P0746 often appears in sleep mode.

Special attention - winter operation. On Murano with automatic transmission RE0F10D A cold start at -20°C increases the load on the solenoids by 5 times. Use preheater (For example, Webasto Thermo Top Evo 5) or at least warm up the engine for 3-5 minutes before driving.

What happens if you ignore P0746?

If the cause of the error is not eliminated, after 1000-3000 km it will begin chain reaction:

1. Wear of solenoids will lead to incorrect pressure in the hydraulic unit.

2. The clutches will start slip, forming metal shavings.

3. The shavings will clog oil channels, which will cause oil starvation.

4. In the end - planetary gear jamming or torque converter. The repair will cost 150,000-250,000 rubles.

For Murano with mileage >150,000 km, it is recommended to add ATF to the oil every 30,000 km conditioner additive (For example, LIQUI MOLY ATF Additive). It restores the elasticity of the seals and reduces the load on the solenoids.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about error code P0746 on Nissan Murano

Is it possible to drive with the P0746 code if the car is behaving normally?

No, you can't. Even if there are no jerks, incorrect operation of the solenoid leads to accelerated wear of friction clutches. On Murano this manifests itself after 1000-1500 km in the form slippage when shifting 3→4 gears. The maximum “safe” mileage with P0746 is 500 km.

Will resetting the error via a scanner or disconnecting the battery help?

Resetting will delete the code from the ECU memory, but if the problem is physical (solenoid wear, dirty oil), the error will return after 50-200 km. On Murano 2015+ after reset is a must do TCM Relearn, otherwise the automatic transmission will operate in emergency mode.

What ATF oil to pour into Murano when changing?

Only Nissan Matic-S (item: KE908-99932) or Matic-J (for models after 2017). Analogues like Mobil ATF 3309 or Idemitsu ATF Type-J can only be used as a last resort - they are not fully compatible with seal materials Murano.

Can I change the solenoid on a Murano myself?

Technically yes, but you will need:

1. Remove the automatic transmission pan (you need a wrench for the hexagon socket bolts).
2. Disconnect the valve body (8 bolts T25).
3. Replace the solenoid and all o-rings.
4. Perform adaptation via scanner.

Without experience, the risk of damage to the hydraulic unit or leaky assembly of the pallet is 70%. If you are not sure, it is better to contact the service.

How long does the automatic transmission last in a Murano after eliminating P0746?

With timely repairs and proper operation, the service life of the automatic transmission is:

• 200,000-250,000 km - for boxes RE0F10A (until 2014).
• 250,000-300,000 km - for RE0F10D/E (after 2014).

Key condition: regular oil changes and avoiding overheating. On Murano with mileage >200,000 km, even after repair, it is recommended to install an additional automatic transmission cooling radiator.